Cultural Directions. 195 



Plow deep and thoroughly, and mellow the surface in the 

 usual manner. Then mark out the ground four feet apart, both 

 ways ; put a large shovelful of good compost in each intersec- 

 tion, and mix it thoroughly with the soil. When danger from 



Peerless. 



Chicago Pickle. 



Tailby's Hybrid. 



late frosts is past, plant into the hills thus made, using plenty of 

 seed to make allowance for injury by insects, etc., and when the 

 plants begin to run, thin to the best three or four in each hill. 

 From the time they begin to come up until several leaves are 

 made, they should be kept dusted with plaster or a poisoned 

 plaster mixture, as a preventive for insects. Occasional water- 

 ing with washing suds during dry weather is of great benefit 

 Keep the ground well cultivated and free from weeds. It is not 

 desirable to plant or hill up in great mounds, since cucumbers 



Evergreen Cucumber. 



need considerable moisture to do well. Gather the fruit regularly, 

 without leaving any specimens to ripen, or the vines will stop 

 bearing. For early market, and as a safeguard against insect 

 depredations, the plants may be started on inverted sods under 



